To find the conjugate base of an acid, you need to remove a hydrogen ion (H+) from the molecule. In the case of H2SO3, which is sulfurous acid, we need to remove one H+ to form its conjugate base.
Here are the steps to find the conjugate base of H2SO3:
1. Identify the formula of the acid, which is H2SO3.
2. Understand that the conjugate base is formed by the loss of a hydrogen ion from the acid.
3. Remove one H+ from the chemical formula of the acid.
4. After removing an H+, we have HSO3- remaining.
Therefore, the conjugate base of H2SO3 (sulfurous acid) is HSO3- (hydrogen sulfite).
